The legislator’s remarks have triggered a political storm, with opposition parties and social activists condemning his statement as divisive and unconstitutional
Mohammad Alamullah | Clarion India
NEW DELHI – A fresh controversy has erupted in Bihar after Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA Haribhushan Thakur Bachaul made provocative remarks regarding electoral rights and religious communities. In a statement on Friday, the firebrand leader called for legislation allowing Hindu voters to cast 2-3 votes each, alleging that Hindus were “lagging behind Muslims” due to population disparities.
Speaking in anticipation of the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections, Thakur said, “Hindus have been following the principle of ‘Hum Do Hamare Do’ (We Two, Ours Two), while Muslims have been increasing their population. This has led to Muslims becoming mukhiyas (village heads), MLAs, and MPs, and taking advantage of government schemes.”
MLA Thakur demanded the Bihar government pass a law granting Hindu voters the right to multiple votes, claiming this would rectify what he described as a “vote inequality” between Hindus and Muslims. “Hindus have become weak in terms of votes. To maintain balance, Hindus should be allowed to cast at least 2-3 votes. This law will make the country strong and give Hindus the respect they deserve,” he asserted.
He further argued that Muslims were allegedly benefiting disproportionately due to their growing population, which he claimed was deliberately unchecked. “While Hindus reduced family sizes to aid national development, Muslims kept increasing their numbers, creating an imbalance in voting power,” he added.
Thakur insisted that his demand was not a politically motivated ploy ahead of the elections but a step towards “strengthening the nation.”
The MLA’s remarks have triggered a political storm, with opposition parties and social activists condemning his statement as divisive and unconstitutional.
Senior Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Tejashwi Yadav responded sharply, saying, “This is yet another attempt by BJP leaders to polarise communities ahead of elections. Such ideas go against the fundamental principles of democracy and equality enshrined in our Constitution.”
Similarly, Janata Dal (United) leader Upendra Kushwaha dismissed the proposal as impractical and communal. “Our focus should be on uniting people, not dividing them further,” he said.
Prominent activist Shabnam Hashmi criticised the MLA’s comments as incendiary, stating, “This rhetoric aims to deepen communal divides and shift focus from real issues like unemployment and governance.”
Haribhushan Thakur has a history of making controversial remarks targeting the Muslim community. Analysts suggest his statements align with the BJP’s hardline Hindutva narrative, often employed to consolidate the Hindu vote bank.
“This kind of rhetoric is not new but part of a larger strategy to create fear and resentment among Hindus. However, such divisive policies will only harm India’s democratic fabric,” said Prof SK Mishra, a political analyst.
Community leaders from Bihar’s Muslim population have strongly refuted Thakur’s claims. “It is absurd to suggest that Muslims have an unfair advantage in the electoral process. Every citizen, regardless of religion, has one vote. Such statements are dangerous and only serve to incite hatred,” said Maulana Anisur Rahman Qasmi, a respected cleric in Patna.
Local Muslim residents also voiced concerns about the safety and inclusivity of the upcoming elections. “Statements like these create a hostile environment for minorities. Instead of addressing pressing issues like development and unemployment, leaders are resorting to fearmongering,” said Shaista Parveen, a social worker.
Experts have highlighted the constitutional and legal hurdles in implementing such a law. The “one person, one vote” principle is a cornerstone of India’s democracy, and any deviation would face significant opposition and judicial scrutiny.
Former Supreme Court judge Justice AK Ganguly called the proposal “unconstitutional and a threat to democratic integrity.” He remarked, “Such ideas are not only divisive but undermine the very ethos of equality and justice.”
Thakur’s statement has undoubtedly added fuel to an already charged political atmosphere in Bihar. While some view it as an attempt to rally Hindu voters, others fear it could deepen communal divides in a state known for its diverse population.
Political observers believe the BJP will need to carefully navigate the backlash while maintaining its voter base. Meanwhile, opposition parties are likely to use this controversy to target the ruling party’s agenda.
As Bihar heads toward its next assembly elections, the rhetoric surrounding religion and politics is expected to intensify. Thakur’s controversial remarks are a stark reminder of the challenges facing India’s pluralistic democracy. Whether his proposals gain traction or backfire, they underscore the need for inclusive and balanced political discourse that prioritises unity over division.
